Hottovy made three scoreless appearances this spring in the Cactus League, but it wasn't enough to earn him an Opening Day bullpen spot. He will presumably open the 2014 regular season with Triple-A Iowa. Thu, Mar 20, 2014 03:51:00 PM

Cubs signed LHP Tommy Hottovy to a minor league contract.

The deal includes an invitation to spring training. The 32-year-old hasn't pitched in the majors since 2012, posting a 4.19 ERA and 42/17 K/BB ratio in 43 innings between the Blue Jays' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates this past season. He'll try to win a bullpen job with the Cubs next spring. Wed, Dec 11, 2013 08:42:00 PM

The 32-year-old southpaw spent the entirety of the 2013 season in the minor leagues, registering a 4.19 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 42/17 K/BB ratio over 43 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. He'll look for a new organization to continue his pitching career in 2014. Fri, Oct 4, 2013 06:57:00 PM

Depth Charts

Cubs placed C Willson Contreras on the 10-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain.

He's expected to be sidelined for the next 4-to-6 weeks with the injury, but the Cubs remain optimistic that he'll return to see meaningful action in September. Alex Avila will handle the bulk of the catching for the Cubs while Victor Caratini has been recalled from Triple-A to add depth behind the plate.

Addison Russell (foot) jogged on the field and hit in the batting cages on Tuesday.

"I'm feeling a little bit better," Russell said after the light workout. "I'm trying to take this slow. I don't want any setbacks." The young shortstop has acknowledged that he is experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis in his right foot and there is currently no timetable for his return to the Cubs' active roster. Russell landed on the disabled list August 4.

This comes after Lester exited Thursday's start with lat tightness. The left-hander was blown up for nine runs in that start and didn't throw with his usual velocity. The Cubs aren't expected to update Lester's status until Friday at the earliest, though it's a near certainty that he'll be placed on the disabled list. Mike Montgomery, who logged 4 1/3 innings out of the bullpen on Thursday, is an obvious candidate to replace Lester in the starting rotation.

It was his first pen session since landing on the disabled list last week and he'll throw another one on Saturday. The 42-year-old has delivered a 3.55 ERA over 43 relief outings in his first year with Chicago.